Dimethyl Carbonate or DMC with chemical formula C3H6O3 is a multi-purpose chemical that showcases desirable properties such as low toxicity and better solvency. It is a pale white colored chemical which is flammable, highly reactive, and odorless. It was first manufactured by the reaction of methanol with phosgene but due to extreme toxicity of phosgene, the chemical is now manufactured through other methods such as transesterification or the oxidation of methanol carbonylation.

Dimethyl carbonate is primarily utilized as a methylating agent in the synthesis of vitamins, anti-infective drugs, central nervous system drugs, and analgesic and antipyretic drugs. It is used to manufacture methyl isocyanate, a precursor for the manufacture of carbamate pesticides, in the pesticide industry. It is an eco-friendly compound that can be employed in the production of various chemicals, as a solvent. It is known as an organic solvent since its invention in 1950s. It offers various advantages, as compared to conventional organic solvents, such as ester acetates, and ethers.

The global dimethyl carbonate market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2017 to 2025, and reach market value of US$ 553.3 Mn by 2025.

Usage in Production of Polycarbonate to Remain Market’s Most Lucrative Application

The global dimethyl carbonate market has been segmented on the basis of type of synthesis method into transesterification, oxidation of methanol carbonylation, alcoholysis. The key applications of dimethyl carbonate examined in the report include pharmaceuticals, pesticides, solvents, alternative fuel additives, and polycarbonates where dimethyl carbonate is used as intermediate material, as solvent, as electrolyte, and as replacing ethanol owing to its low toxicity and high octane number.

Polycarbonate segment is one of the leading application of dimethyl carbonate market; dimethyl carbonate is primarily employed as an intermediate during the production process of polycarbonate. The application is predicted to expand at a CAGR of more than 5% during the forecast period. This is mainly due to growing popularity of polycarbonate in end-use industries such as automotive and electronic industries which in turn create the opportunity for dimethyl carbonate. Almost half of the global production of dimethyl carbonate is utilized in the manufacture of polycarbonates.

Geographically, the market for dimethyl carbonate in Asia Pacific accounted for the dominant share of the global dimethyl carbonate market in 2016, in terms of both volume and value. In China and Japan, dimethyl carbonate is mainly employed in the production of polycarbonates, while in India, it is primarily consumed by the pharmaceutical industry for manufacturing of antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin. Europe is the second largest share of the global dimethyl carbonate market in 2016.

North America accounted for more than 20% share of the global market in 2016. Its share is estimated to decline and record sluggish growth rate by the end of the forecast period. The dimethyl carbonate market in Latin America and Middle East and Africa is also likely to expand at a sluggish pace during the forecast period.

Dimethyl carbonate is a colorless, transparent and flammable organic compound classified as a carbon ester. It is an environmentally suitable compound that can used for upgrading several promising renewables including fatty acids, glycerol, polysaccharides, triglycerides, and lignin-based phenolic compounds and sugar-derived platform molecules.

Dimethyl carbonate had received its VOC exemption and is considered as a nontoxic, safe, and eco-friendly organic chemical. The key application of dimethyl carbonate is manufacturing of polycarbonates in which it is used as an intermediate. Polycarbonates are a type of plastics known for their impact resistance, high dielectric strength, and optical transparency. In North America, dimethyl carbonate is majorly used for manufacturing of pesticides, followed by pharmaceutical and intermediate chemicals.

Global Dimethyl Carbonate Market: Trends and Opportunities

Asia Pacific dominated the dimethyl carbonate market both in terms of volume and value and is likely to remain dominant during the forecast period with a significant CAGR compare to other regions. China is the manufacturing hub in the world with a presence of large number of polycarbonate, pharmaceutical, pesticide, chemical processing plants, etc., wherein there is perpetual demand for dimethyl carbonate. Numerous small and medium manufacturers of dimethyl carbonate are located in China. The country exports majority of its production to developed and emerging economies.

In terms of application, the polycarbonate segment held a major share of the market in 2016 and is likely to continue its dominance during the forecast period. Dimethyl carbonate is a prominent additive for gasoline with high oxygen content and extraordinary blending properties. Dimethyl carbonate, as a VOC exempt solvent, is utilized in paints & coatings, electrochemical, and personal care sectors. Dimethyl carbonate containing solvent system is the best electrolyte system, which results in a good electrochemical and chemical stability, when applied to lithium ion batteries. Manufacturers of dimethyl carbonate establish long-term supply agreements with key suppliers of raw materials in order to procure raw materials at a fixed price. This lowers the impact of price volatility.

Global Dimethyl Carbonate Market: Scope of the Report

This report analyzes and forecasts the market for dimethyl carbonate market at the global and regional level. The market has been forecast based on volume (Tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) from 2016 to 2025, considering 2016 as the base year. The study includes drivers and restraints of the global dimethyl carbonate market. It also covers impact of these drivers and restraints on demand for dimethyl carbonate market during the forecast period. The report also highlights opportunities in the dimethyl carbonate market at the global and regional level.

The report includes detailed value chain analysis, which provides a comprehensive view of the global dimethyl carbonate market. Porter’s Five Forces model for the dimethyl carbonate market has also been included to help understand the competitive landscape in the market. The study encompasses market attractiveness analysis, where in product, and application are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate, and general attractiveness. The study also includes regional level price trend analysis, potential customers, list of patents based on synthesis, companies manufacturing capacities and technology employed.

Global Dimethyl Carbonate Market: Segmentation

The study provides a decisive view of the global dimethyl carbonate market by segmenting it in terms of synthesis and application. In terms of synthesis type, dimethyl carbonate are classified as Transesterification, Oxidative Methanol Carbonylation, and Others. In terms of application type, the dimethyl carbonate market is segregated into, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, solvents, alternative fuel additives, and polycarbonate. These segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends. Regional segmentation includes current and forecast demand for Dimethyl Carbonate in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa.

The report provides the actual market size of dimethyl carbonate for 2016 and estimated market size for 2017 with forecast for the next eight years. The global market of dimethyl carbonate has been provided in terms of volume and revenue. Market volume has been defined in Tons and revenue in US$ Mn. Market numbers have been estimated based on synthesis and application of dimethyl carbonate. Market volume and size have been provided in terms of global, regional and country level markets.

Global Dimethyl Carbonate Market: Research Methodology

In order to compile the research report, we conducted in-depth interviews and discussions with a number of key industry participants and opinion leaders. Primary research represented the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. We reviewed key players’ product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents for competitive analysis and market understanding. Secondary research includes a search of recent trade, technical writing, Internet sources, magazines and statistical data from government websites, trade associations, and agencies. This has proven to be the most reliable, effective, and successful approach for obtaining precise market data, capturing industry participants’ insights, and recognizing business opportunities.

Secondary research sources that are typically referred to include, but are not limited to company websites, annual reports, financial reports, broker reports, investor presentations, SEC filings, and external proprietary databases, and relevant patent and regulatory databases such as ICIS, Hoover’s, oneSOURCE, Factiva and Bloomberg, national government documents, statistical databases, trade journals, market reports, news articles, press releases, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market.

We conduct primary interviews on an ongoing basis with industry participants and commentators to validate data and analysis. These help validate and strengthen secondary research findings. These also help develop the analysis team’s expertise and market understanding.